Backgammon – Three Main Techniques

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are three chief strategies employed. You need to be able to switch tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effective backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!